Michael James McKinney passed away on March 25, 2022 following a motorcycle accident.
A memorial service will be held at Discovery Church (900 East Main) in Yukon, Oklahoma at 2pm on Saturday, April 2.
Michael was born on March 29, 1978 in Brookings, South Dakota to James McKinney and Linda (McKinney) Hertzler-Crum. Born 8 weeks premature, he instantly inspired overwhelming love and awe at his ability to fight for his place in our world. The doctor warned his parents more than once that he could not survive but they underestimated his strong will to be on this earth and touch lives.
While growing up in Brookings, South Dakota and Gilbert, Iowa, Mike enjoyed many activities such as basketball, baseball, fishing, swimming, playing the trumpet in band, music camp, golfing, spending time with friends, and traveling with his family. He loved to visit his paternal grandmother in Hapeville, Georgia and his maternal grandparents in Estes Park, Colorado. He had many happy summer vacations at his stepgrandparents’ lake house at Enemy Swim Lake in South Dakota.
He attended college at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma before transferring to Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. During college he was part of the rugby team where he thrived and enjoyed every minute. He had a lifelong love of golfing as well. Michael worked at a golf course for several years, then moved into trucking for J&L services in Shattuck, OK. During his time at J&L, he met the love of his life, Bethany Charmassson McKinney. He had now found his two greatest passions, trucking and Bethany. When he passed, he was driving for Dolese. He loved the family feeling at Dolese and had decided it was his forever career. He earned the respect and trust of his co-workers through his work ethic, professionalism, and personal dedication to his work and his colleagues.
On January 15, 2011 he met Bethany. He brought with a handsome 4 year old son, McKale and Bethany brought with her a beautiful 1 year old daughter, Madge. They joined their families on February 29th, 2012. The final joyous addition to their family was a gorgeous boy named Brayden Michael, born on February 3rd, 2013. Michael loved his family and friends deeply and wholeheartedly. He was an incredibly caring, devoted, and doting father to his children, and they meant the world to him. He felt very blessed to be the father of two sons, McKale, who is 15 years old, and Brayden, who is 9 years old, and his bonus daughter, Madgie, who is 12 years old. He always prioritized making time for family, whether it was exploring a lake or river, taking them golfing, catching a movie, or practicing for and attending their sporting events. His favorite pastime was just hanging out with family and friends. In addition to his profound love for his wife and children, he had precious and loving bonds with all his family members.
Michael is survived by his adoring wife Bethany, two wonderful sons McKale and Brayden, and his beautiful bonus daughter Madgie, His father James McKinney and partner Sue, his mother Linda Hertzler-Crum; his sister Jamie, his sister Jennifer and her husband Rajeev and Nephew and Niece Ashwin and Karina, his mother-in-law Madge Brosh, and his brothers in law John and Jayke, his sister-in-law Loganne and husband Zack and his new niece Briar, and his most admiring fur baby Gwennie.
Those of us whose lives Mike touched will always love him. When you think of Michael, try to find a reason to smile, hug a loved one, or spread happiness. Michael loved to make people happy and bring laughter to everyone. We are blessed to have his beautiful smile in our hearts and his often used deep belly laugh.
Donations to the family Michael leaves behind can be made through:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-michael-mckinney
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